What Role Will Zach Randolph Play For The Kings?

Zach Randolph played great last year, but this year he’s facing some uncertainty regarding his role.

The idea for the team last year was to let the future players of the Kings get as much experience as possible.  When the Kings started 1 -8 before getting a nice win against Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder, it was downright scary for coaching staff and players  Everyone knew it would be a rebuilding year from the bottom up, but the way they played looked like a nightmare game in pre-season.  What we saw was no energy from one of the youngest rosters in the NBA.  Zach Randolph stepped in and saved the start of the season with veteran leadership and his scoring.

When Z-Bo played 20 plus minutes a game the purple and white were more competitive.  Z-Bo at 37 years old is no spring chicken but played much younger being the teams leading scorer.  At the beginning of the season, I don’t think anyone would have predicted he would be the leading scorer at 14.6 pts. 6.7 reb. and 2.3 last.  I will say it again Zach gave us at least 5 more wins with his play then the Kings would have had otherwise last season.  The Kings were a better more balanced team with Zach on the floor.

What role will Zach Randolph play this year?

It will be dictated by how Willie Cauley-Stein and Harry Giles play.  With the logjam at the at the forward/center position, It would make sense Skal Labissiere is the one who looks to lose playing time based on last years play.  Z-Bo could see anywhere from 0 to 30 minutes a game.  He more than likely will get some playing time as veterans leadership is always in demand.  Joerger could also rest him every couple of games as he did last season.  I hope Z-Bo plays as much time as he earns, just like every other player should as well.

The Kings have the luxury of putting in players who match up against the opponent.  The area that Z-Bo has always thrived is on offense in the low post.  If your team needs a basket Zach will get you one, even if it is just to stop the momentum by the other team.  Some of the younger players are not that dependable yet.  That is a nice insurance policy to have.  Until the Kings trade a big man or if by some misfortune a player is injured, playing time at the 4 and 5 spots will have to be earned.

Every team has to have veterans

With the focus on building and developing a set of young players who can grow as a unit.  It is often overlooked that all teams have to have veterans, even the Warriors had the likes of a David West who just retired this year.  Last year it seemed Sacramento had a good balance of veterans and youth. None more important than Vince Carter and the knowledge and wisdom he shared with the teammates. Zach Randolph now has to fill that role with Carter now playing for the Hawks.

Social Media tweets have a lot of people calling for all our veterans to be traded or benched in favor of their favorite young player.  The purple and white only have 4 players with more than 3 years in the NBA. One of these players is Ben McLemore with 5 years, I don’t consider Ben a  veteran leader.  There is no substitute for experience, this is a famous quote by John C. Kelly.

How many players are under contract with the Kings?

Right now there are 16 players under contract with others on a two-way contract with the G-League.  We still have a month before the team starts practicing on the hardwood.  There will be changes to the roster before or soon after the season starts.  When the home team makes this move it should be for a player with at least three years experience.  Any deal cannot be for another young rookie with very little NBA experience.  The Kings must be able to compete, and that means having veterans who can guide the core group on how to take the next step and win.  Vlade signing Zach Randolph, Kosta Koufus and Vince Carter were good moves for a young team who needs guidance on how to succeed at the NBA level.

Final conclusion

It is up to coach Joerger and Vlade on what happens with Zach. His role this year could be all over the map, he could be playing 30 minutes a game or the first guy traded.  For the purple and white it must be about what’s truly in the best interest of the team.  Z-Bo is about as low-key as they come off the court with the media.  Don’t let this fool you, in the locker room and at practice  He has a lot to say to his younger teammates, if there are smart they will listen.  If he is traded it should be for another veteran who the players respect based on career accomplishments.  Zach Randolph now has 17 years in the NBA, it would be hard to replace that kind of experience.

He played like a much younger guy averaging 14.5 points along with 25 minutes per game.  With him sitting last season so younger guys could play he would have had more minutes per game along with more points.  If the team needs Zach to start or come off the bench, he will be ready to give us whatever the team needs to win. He’s a solid professional and a leader for the Kings.

By John C Kelly.